Oh, the weather outside is frightful, as in cold. It has been in the teens for the last 3 days. Right now it is 15 degrees. I will say that we Midwestern folks are tough. We check the weather every morning, turn up that heat and dress in layers. And of course we complain. Just a little. 
We have no Christmas tree yet...it is just too soon to bring a fresh tree in the house and have it last throughout all of the holidays. I've learned this the hard way. And since the rooms in my home are rather on the small side, I will have 3~4 weeks of enjoying all the festiveness before I tire of it. I will of course, be going back to the same place for my tree. The place where I met the most charming elf that helped me pick out Fir Elton John last year. I wish I could lead you directly to that post, but if you want to read or re~read it, it is in my archives under 12/7/09. I spotted the elf a few times over the summer tending to flowers and shrubs, so I believe I will see him again.
Things have been quiet around here since our weekend in Lake Geneva. I have been stocking up on my baking supplies with the intention to bake some things ahead of time. I know...I said that before Thanksgiving and threw together a pie 20 minutes before guests arrived for dessert. That's me, always flying by the seat of my pants. But Christmas is different. I love to make gift bags for the special people in my life and I found the neatest little bags made of fabric to pack all the sweet goodies in. I'll show you them in my next post, remind me. I also have some plastic molds to make miniature cakes in the shapes of Christmas trees, bells, and snowmen. And I found a recipe for a sugar cookie icing that looks so yummy. So...I am going to spend my days baking and freezing. I mean it.
I know it's possible to 'deck the halls' without a Christmas tree, but I've always done the tree first. This makes a lot of sense since we have to move furniture around. I have however, been living vicariously through the blogs I visit. I never would have imagined before blogging that I would see hundreds of pictures of homes dressed up for Christmas. They are truly magazine worthy. And truly a reflection of the sweet ladies that know how to decorate a room.
Well, that's my post for today. I have plenty to keep me busy. UPS is still dropping by everyday and I have a pile of gifts to wrap and even more shopping. Friday night we have a birthday party for Papa and on Saturday we have a wedding to go to. Of course I have nothing to wear so I need to take a little shopping trip for that...I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful season. Have fun with your decorating, your baking, your Christmas card writing {oops, forgot I have that to do as well}, and visiting those you love. And stay warm! :-)
87 comments:
yikes that is cold! I would stay warm with your beautiful family and surroundings!
stay warm...
Karen
I imagine your home will hold the heavenly fragrance of pine in the near future! I love the clove studded limes.....never thought to do limes before.....always apples and oranges!
Thank you for the kind comment on my blog and Merry Christmas tto you from Texas!
Hi Jane, Brrrr eeek! We had the teens last month, I like the snow but not the bitter cold:-) It sounds like perfect baking weather and good lazy snuggly time :-) Hope you warm soon :-)
Bella
Brrrrrr...!!
Where you get your tree sounds like a wonderful place, Jane. I wish I had a special little elf to help us find the perfect Christmas tree. :D
Your limes look so pretty around the base of the tree... love that look! I did that one year with oranges and it made the house smell heavenly! My fingers were killing me afterwards though... lol!
Enjoy the rest of your week! It sounds like it's going to be a busy one for you... but in a fun way!
XO,
Jo :)
New England is known for it's dreary cold too... and we have it.
Never thought to stick cloves in limes before, awesome idea, gonna do it!
Yes, real trees won't stay for a long time... you are smart to wait! Hope you have a warm day and perhaps get some shopping done for Wedding attire! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!
I think the tree you do have is pretty! It is cold isn't it? I think I complain more than a little, but after being so hot this summer...I'm trying to do better!
I don't have a real tree anymore, but when I did I always put it up the first weekend in December and took it down the day after Christmas. I couldn't wait to get that dried out fire hazard out, after being so excited to bring it in!
Hi Jane! I love the limes studded with cloves. That is an excellent idea since limey green is one of the "in vogue" colors to use this season. Good thinking on your part. I have no doubt you will get it all done but still be rushed as we all are. We always have good intentions though! It gets done so that is all the family and friends care about! I'm sharing the cold temps with you. Today is a high of 16 which is the warmest day we've had in several days. I think I'll wait to venture out shopping tomorrow or Friday when it warms up to the 20's! Oh the joys of Winter! Have a wonderful day.
AAA my god you used lemon for that :D
that's so cool :D funny
great blog
xoxo
Hi Janie,
I love the lime and clove decor. What a wonderful idea as they both impart such a spicy scent.
I have or I should say had, every intention to bake all month but things keep popping up here and there. It's hard trying to cook and bake with limited vision but now that I can truly see that healing is going on, you can just bet that I will be trying my hand and gingerbread! I'm sure it will turn out horrible but it's the fun in trying right? lol!!
Have a great rest of the week,
Deanna :D
Lovely idea! I use oranges instead of limes, such a clever alternative!
And boy it is COLD! Keep warm, Jane!!!!!
Thanks for your get well wishes, I'm pretty tired of being sick!;))
Monicax.
Hello Blondie,
My hubby and I just visited Lake Geniva for the first time this fall and we loved it! I love your limes and tree. Your blog is so charming.
Blessings~
Gwenny
Girl, it's been cold here as well, with a promise of warmer temps for the next couple of days and snow in the forecast on Saturday. I love your small tree and limes..so festive. hugs ~lynne~
Dear Jane,
We ALWAYS have a real Christmas tree so, we don't put it up too early either. I usually decorate the house about a week before Christmas. I am pleased to report that I have written our Christmas cards....that is a long job !!
Enjoy your Christmas preparations and, I'm sure that little elf will find you the perfect tree. XXXX
hi blondie!
i always do my tree LAST! it sort of is
my gravitational decorating pull. if i
do it first, i don't have any creative
juice left. :)
good luck with the baking. yesterday
i made 5 dozen Christmas cookies, and
today, i have the sore back to prove it.
but a happy heart.
merry Christmas!
Hi Jane...cold here in the Carolinas too...in the teens, very unusual for this time of year. Don't you love when the doorbell rings though? I love when UPS is here! I love what you did to those limes...in the tree they look cute! Stay warm, bake and put on some festive music.
Not much decor done here! Trying to clean first, washing curtains etc. No energy to get things done, and too cold to go outside to decorate!
It will get done, somehow! :)
Enjoy the season, dear!
It's baaaad when the UPS man knows you by name......that's what my hubby tells me. AGGHHH! Guess I gotta remind that guy to keep his lips zipped! lol! Love your sweet little pine tree, Jane! There's just something about those little trees..... :) Stay warm and have fun wrapping all of those gifts, girl! lol!
xoxo laurie
Hi Jane! First,
I loved the picture
of you and your hubby
in your last post.
You are just so radiant!
Must be all this good
Midwest Living : ) !!
Finally, a post where
someone talks about
how hard it is to keep
fresh greens FRESH until
Christmas if they get
used the first week of
December. I don't get
it....bloggers using fresh
greens on their fireplace
mantels on December 1st.
Mine would be all needles
by December 5th, as we use
our fireplace all of the
time. I do have real
mini Norfolk pines, which
are in the house 'year
round and get a dose of
Christmas cheer in December.
The limes are also a great
way to get a dose of green,
plus yummy smells. Hope
you are staying cozy!!
xx Suzanne
Can you believe we had snow flurries in South GA today? It's freezing here, 20's, not nearly as cold as your place but for us it's not the norm for this time of year. Wish the snow would stick to the ground but we're just grateful to catch a snowflake.
Have a wonderful evening!
I don't know how y'all do that cold weather. I know that last year in Ohio, it would stay in the 20's for a week at a time. I think the lowest I saw was 9 degrees. Of course that was on the thermostat in the house and that was at 6:30 in the morning:)
Stay warm and stay inside! Drink some hot chocolate and read a book.
Janie,
You might think about looking at afreshchristmastree.com I ordered one from there for the B&B for last three years and I had it the first of Dec-the end of the month and it stayed really nice. They cut them down the day they get the order and ship the next day! I always ordered a frasier fir and they were lovely.
It's even cold down south lovey! A water pipe in the strret burst and we are boiling water. I wrote Christmas cards but that's all I have done today. You sound bright and chipper and full of energy. Send me some please. I can smell your clove studded fruit from here. ♥O
Whoa...that IS cold. brrr
I would much rather wait awhile and have a REAL tree than have a fake, oops, I mean, FAUX, tree and have it up by the first of Dec.
If I can afford it, I would like a small real tree next Christmas.
I love your limes..I do oranges but I love the look of the limes.
Oh, and I am CRAZY about that fabric beneath your little plant..:)))
Love those clove studded limes! Sounds like you've gotten alot accomplished. I'm so far behind it's not even funny, but I imagine I will manage to get it all done. It's been cold here too - not 15 degree though! Stay warm, and can't wait to hear about your visit with Fir Elton John :) Kat
I love the limes... we used to do oranges as a kid but never limes... i think I will make some! Thanks for inspiration. :)
Well, I doubt I'll be baking. Just don't see that in the cards. But I'm enjoying the crafting and decorating immensely! Brrr!
Brenda
You seem very busy, Janie. OMG, the teens is really cold, I don't think I can stand that anymore. It is cold here too, freezing at night in the 20's to 30's but it still gets to the 50's to 60's during the day. Love your welcoming tree and what are those fruits?....Christine
Hey girlfriend,
I am freezing my tush off up here! And they're saying that this week-end is going to be even worse. Uugggh! I need to go to AZ.
Sounds like you have a busy few days coming up.
I sure hope your feeling better and I sure do love my cute little mugs!
Big Hugs,
Cindy
I have all of these things to do too, the tree, baking, wrapping, but you sound way more organized than me! I think I'm a fly by the seat of my pants all the time kind of girl! Have a wonderful time at the party and wedding, and I'll look forward to seeing your tree when you get it up and decorated! I love your clove studded limes...such a great idea!
Kat :)
I think getting a cut tree closer to Christmas makes it all the more special...you don't tire of it over the holidays so much. I love your clove studded limes! Never thought about doing that with limes before! I have the house decorated but nothing much bought, gift wise. I also have a cookie exchange on the 18th and still not sure what I am making yet. I sound unorganized don't I?? Oh well....I am the Queen of Procrastinators as my husband would say! Stay safe with that big snow storm coming our way this weekend!~Hugs, Patti
Hi Jane! Baby, it's cold outside at your place! You could bite the bullet and go get a faux tree! :) We've used fauxs for over 20 years and I love it. Now they don't have the yummy Christmas tree smell, but they don't shed! :)
I do like that sweet little one you have! It'll all come together!! I'm sure you'll find a pretty outfit too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
We are in the 30's down here now. It just came on us overnight! That is the way our climate is down here, one extreme to the other! Love the studded limes. I have done oranges but not limes. I will have to try that...I LOVE the smell of cloves...
That last photo is gorgeous!
Stay Warm!
Lou Cinda
Stay warm, Jane. I was complaining about 31 degrees this morning but I am in Orlando. That is cold for here! Good luck finding the perfect tree!
Hi Blondie,
Baking sounds like so much fun! Love the warmth and the wonderful smells of baking holiday cookies! Loving your little clove decorated limes... very charming! Stay warm!
Oh, it is sooo cold here too and now they are talking about snow...again. I love those little limes. I've been thinking of doing some oranges :)
In New England, we have cold weather too. It's mainly that mean wind chill.
Anyway, I decorated early because I had a Christmas party last weekend. I wish I could have a real tree but I just don't trust the furbabies with it.
Enjoy the baking, shopping and card writing. I need to do all of that myself!
Oh my goodness Jane I wouldn't know how to act if I lived where it got that cold, brrrr!
We've got a fire going here 24/7 and so far it's only gotten down to the lower 30's at night at coldest.
Your little tree is cute with the cloves and lime accent. I love doing decor with natural elements for Christmas. I have a lemon and orange tree in my back yard. My lemons are just now starting to turn yellow.
I haven't put up a tree yet either, I don't even know if I'm going to put one up or not this year, maybe just a bit of Christmas decor here and there.
Try to stay warm!
Sherri:)
p.s. Thanks for the White Wednesday tip! I went ahead and linked up for this week even though I'm a bit late!
We've got the same crappy weather, Jane...makes ya' want to pull the covers over your head & just sleep. Got well over a foot of snow in 2-3 days.
I think your studded limes must smell wonderful & your little Norfolk pine is adorable. I bought a tabletop on in FL & then kept it on the lanai for YEARS until it got too big. We planted it by our neighborhood pool & you should see that thing now!!!!
I'll be baking next week, too. If I made stuff any earlier, I just eat it. :/
Stay warm!!!
Yes, you are right, but I did it anyway! I will most likely be sorry.. I always am!
Limes? :) What a neat idea!!
Merry Christmas, Jane.
I love the cloves in the limes, so different from the usual oranges. they must be so fragrant.
thanks for the idea!
Trish xo
It's cold here, too, but no snow yet.
I love your tree with the limes and cloves. I bet it smells wonderful!
Happy Holidays, Jane!
Love the mixture of colours Jane ~ the greenery and red pot, and the studded limes. Very pretty.
I am complaining more than just a little. Have I always lived in Michigan? Yes, but I seem to dislike the cold more every year. The current temps are atrocious. If Santa figures out who annoyed Mother Nature and caused all this, they'll surely get nothing in their stocking, not even coal. Coal might warm them up!
Good luck shopping!
Okay that is one of my favorite Christmas ideas so far here in Blogland. I love the look of the green with the cloves. Thanks Jane!
xoxo,
Kim
Hi Jane, love your pretty photos, and I can't wait to see the tree you get this year...I hope you will show your special little elf! I love to bake this time of year too and plan on doing so today...stay warm and have fun baking, wrapping packages, writing cards and just enjoying this beautiful time of year... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie
Oh I well remember the midwest cold! I am sure your Christmas decor will be lovely!! Try to stay warm....
I wish I could tell you that is is warm and sunny in Florida, but I'd be lying. It's cold and getting colder, with a low of 29F coming on Monday. Now I know you're laughing at that, but for us it's like being on another planet. We went through this last year and I was hoping to have some great beach weather this month. Now I have to shopping for some winter clothes and pack away the swimsuits, lol.
Limes! What a great idea! You have the most clever ideas!
You sound like your right in the thick of it with all the preparations...
Have fun and enjoy sweet friend.
Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...
Brrrrr!!!!
I sure hope our's lasts..we got it a little early this year but I couldn't wait :)
XO
Those limes are such an updated twist on a wonderful traditional decoration.
I think the color is gorgeous!
I don't put up my live tree until 10 days before Christmas for the same reason. If we put it up before that I fight needle drop all day Christmas day. ANd that is not enjoyable!
Say toasty warm... your weather is frightful!
Yvonne
Hi Jane,
Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your visits and sweet comments. I have to say I love your idea of the use of cloves on limes! It looks so fresh and clean. I have used oranges in the past but I often forget to think outside of the box.
Don't you just love the blog world? I'm always inspired!
The wait to put up your fresh tree will be well worth it. Nothing compares to that wonderful smell!
Can't wait to see pictures!
Have a wonderful weekend.
xx
Karen
Your "tree" makes me SMILE!:) Good luck with getting everything done...it IS such a busy time of year! Trust and believe that all will be well! And I thought it was cold here!!!
Hi Jane, I can't wait to see your decorated tree and all the yummy goodies you plan to bake. I hope you have a great time decorating and baking!
Hugz,
Kim
Hi Jane,
Sounds like a good time to stay inside in the warm. BRRRRRR! I love your lime pomanders. Looks like you're getting Christmas-y after all. Enjoy the process and happy baking...
Smiles,
Judy
Brrr, I thought it was cool here today. I can almost smell the fragrance from your tree and decorations.
That is chilly....I love your limes..I usually do that at school with Oranges...smells soooo yummy.
Hugs for a great Friday. Stay cozy.
Oh how pretty!! I love to see fresh fruit with cloves during the holidays. Your schedule sounds like mine - BUSY. Enjoy yourself.
-Rene
Brrr. I never put up a tree or branches in the house until about the 15th, either. But, I heard on the news today that all trees are cut at the same time and it's better to get one early because in the lots they are exposed to lots of sun and wind and it's better to take it home and put it in water. Who knew!?! I love your blog because you always inspire me to get going with things...baking, decorating and shopping! I made pomanders with oranges but haven't tried limes...hmmm, another inspiration! Stay warm!!!
H jane, I am feeling really guilty about now, as I have been complaining about our temps, which are no ways as cold as yours. Thanks for the secret to staying warm, I will be layering today., I like the idea of cloves and limes, Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet notes.
Stay warm.
Hugs,
Sue
Good Morning Jane,
How fun to really have a Christmas tree...I so miss that my friend..I can't cut down a tree and have 11 acres to choose from ha ha!!
Girl I have some of the best containers at Michaels yesterday I'm sure they have been ago for years but I don't get off this mountain much so for me these were new...Take out Christmas boxes love them...I have been trying to get all my cadies and cookies done as Dec 17th is my family Christmas day sighs...
We never seem to every do anything on the day of in this family...too hard to get everyone together...
On the 19th is my oldest daughter Barbs BD so another BD Christmas dinner i will make for her big 51 ha ha!! I pray all is well in your world my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles to you from my mountain top...Gl♥ria
Hi Jane! it's cold up here too! But that's okay, we love it. More nights to sit in front of the fire, candles lit, and the tree glowing.
Have fun with all the baking you will be doing. You inspire me with your determination.
Debbie@lakehouse
Oh I love your tree vignette. So festive.
No decor yet here either.
Sing with me
We need a little Christmas....
What a great idea for the tree! I'm going to try the same.
i think your decorations are just lovely! it can be easy to go overboard on the holidays, but you've stuck with simple, elegant decorations and i LOVE it! those limes are awesome:) enjoy wrapping those gifts! that's actually one of my favorite parts of christmas-sitting around with tape and scissors, wrapping and listening to music:) happy friday!
Our midwest temps haven't been as cold as yours....can you believe we hit 60 degrees today in K.C. I know there is supposed to be snow up your way so stay safe and warm!
Jane
Hi Jane,
I think your little tree with limes is adorable! I haven't had a real tree in years, but always hang a fresh evergreen wreath in my kitchen. This year I'm keeping it simple so my artifical tree will do just fine. I'm not complaining one little bit, because I've got so much to be happy about and I'm counting my blessings.
Sounds like you have a busy weekend ahead and I hear the weather is bad in Chicago land. Brr .. I feel cold just reading your blog, but then it's cold here too! I love your little tree-until-the-bigger-one-arrives. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog. I hope you have a good weekend in spite of the weather!
podso (dotsie)
It's been very cold here and snow is predicted for the weekend. That's okay..it's time I suppose.:-)
I would have never thought about limes and cloves. I am going to remember that!
Sounds like you have a busy exciting week-end ahead. Our tree is now standing in the living room waiting for the lights to be put on it tomorrow. Baking on Sunday ~ and I am looking forward to cocktails tomorrow night. Stay warm ~ it is also freezing up here but the temps are suppose to rise this week. The weather man is predicting a green Christmas here in the Maritimes and that makes me a bit sad. Have a great week-end Janie. xo
Such happy time .
I love Christmas ! love your tree and post.
Merry Christmas time and good luck in my giveaways and thank you for your visits :)
Bisous
I need to go find myself a Norfolk Pine for my bedroom!!!! You gave me a great idea. I didn't want to put up the slimline tree in there like I do some years & there is NO CHRISTMAS in my bedroom. But, I COULD do a Norfolk with some vintage jewelry & cute little vintage cards I could make. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! The hunt will be on tomorrow. HUGS!
CHarlene
Oh.... I hate to rub it in but, it was 65 & sunny here today!!!! YIKES it sounds cold up there with you. But, remember you are in much better shape come summer! HUGS! CHarlene
Hi Jane,
It has been lovely this year, looking through people's blogs and admiring their gorgeous Christmas ideas. I love your limes studded with cloves. Gorgeous and green!
Sarahx
Sweetie, I salute you, for wanting to bake and make goodies! Salute you! I wasn't born with that gene. Or I lost it, along the way. -giggles-
We deck our halls, as fits for us. No need to do as others do, etc. Get your tree when you feel like it. And do look for the Christmas Elf, from last year. I remember that post.
Is it under the label of "Christmas," in your blog? Could you access the post itself, and copy/and/paste a click-able link to it, in your next post? :-)
Gentle Winter hugs...
Now that sounds really COLD...it's been cold here too on the gulf coast...this week it's going to be in the teens one night and then two days later in the 70's...that's life here! Take care and have fun picking out your tree.
Blessings,
Linda
Ha ha ha I had to laugh when you said you stocked up on baking supplies and then baked a pie just before company arrived on Thanksgiving. I do the very same thing. I am earnestly looking for a recipe now that I wanted to make but can't find it. Grrrr! Merry Christmas love your blog.
Hi Jane, believe it or not, it's quite cold down south, too. Well, not 15 degrees, but it'll be there tomorrow! We get our tree the first weekend after Thanksgiving and it comes down before the New Year. That's a southern tradition. Anyway, I'll bet your house is smelling good with lime and cloves and some baking. Yum! Linda
Hi Sweet pea,
I heard from Julie you received your magazine and are enjoying it! Im so glad..
I also wanted to say how pretty your blog is- very warm and straight from the heart.
Warmest Blessings and wishing you a happy Holiday!
Jo-Anne Coletti
I can smell the cloved limes and now I have to make some! I've never done them with limes and can't wailt.
I love reading your blog. And it sounds like it is cold where you live. Stay warm. . and have a Happy Holiday Season.
Hi Janie,
I love the lime and clove decor.I use orange usually...must try it with lime next time!
Stay warm & cozy guys!!
ps: my first time visit in your blog
xo
Hey Jane... staying warm today! Happy Sunday, a little windy here in Chicagoland!
We put up a fresh tree every year and take it down New Years day... it goes up Thanksgiving weekend. Lots and lots of water :)
I hope your Christmas season is wonderful!
Blessings
Rebecca
Hi Jane, just checking your posts to see if you showed your Christmas tree yet... how fun Jo~Anne Coletti visited you and left you a sweet comment... I had given her the link to your blog when I talked to her the other day... xoxo Julie Marie
I'm complaining that it's cold in Tampa, but you truly define "cold"!
We've used artificial trees for years, so we can decorate whenever the mood strikes.
i've done oranges but not limes like this......they're beautiful and i adore their smell anyway!!!
thanks for the inspiration.
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